Caravan weights explained, MIRO, MTPLM, payload and noseweight

Quick answer

Four numbers decide whether your outfit is legal and safe: MIRO, MTPLM, payload, and noseweight. MIRO is the empty weight of the caravan as it left the factory. MTPLM is the maximum the caravan is allowed to weigh fully loaded. Payload is the difference between the two. Noseweight is the downward force the caravan hitch puts on the towball, typically aimed at around 5 to 7 percent of the loaded caravan weight. Before you tow, check all four against your car''s braked towing capacity.

Who this is for

Anyone matching a caravan to a tow car for the first time, or anyone whose car or caravan has changed and needs a fresh check. If you have not run the numbers, start with our towing capacity by registration lookup and our towing calculator.

MIRO, Mass in Running Order

MIRO is the manufacturer''s stated empty weight of the caravan, including standard fittings and a defined level of fluids and gas. It is shown on the chassis plate and in the handbook. Two important caveats:

• MIRO is calculated to an industry standard, so it does not include factory-fit options, dealer-fit extras, awnings, motor movers, lithium upgrades or anything you load.
• Real-world unloaded weight can be several tens of kilograms above the quoted MIRO once options are fitted. If accuracy matters, ask the dealer to weigh the van.

MTPLM, Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass

MTPLM is the absolute legal upper limit for the caravan when loaded. Exceeding it is an offence. It is shown on the chassis plate next to MIRO. Some caravans can be uprated by the chassis maker (typically AL-KO or BPW) within published limits. Uprating can give you more usable payload, but it does not change what your car is allowed to tow.

Payload, the number that matters in real life

Payload is MTPLM minus MIRO. It is everything you can add to the caravan: clothes, food, water, gas, awnings, bedding, bikes, the motor mover, the leisure battery. On a modern two-berth, headline payload is usually between 130 and 200 kg, but options eat into that figure quickly. A few typical deductions:

• Motor mover, around 35 kg
• Awning packed, 25 to 45 kg
• Full water tank, 40 to 90 kg depending on capacity
• Two full gas bottles, around 30 kg
• Leisure battery, 15 to 30 kg

Add it up before you buy, not at the weighbridge.

Noseweight

Noseweight is the downward force the caravan hitch applies to the car''s towball. It matters for stability: too light and the van can pitch and yaw; too heavy and you overload the rear axle of the car. Typical guidance is to aim for around 5 to 7 percent of the loaded caravan weight, subject to the lower of the caravan''s noseweight limit, the car''s towball nose limit, and the towbar rating. Use a noseweight gauge, not a guess. Our noseweight and stability guide walks through measuring it properly.

Matching the car

The car''s braked towing capacity is on the V5C and the VIN plate. You should also check the gross train weight (car plus trailer) on the manufacturer''s plate. Two common rules of thumb:

• The 85 percent guideline, where the loaded caravan is kept within about 85 percent of the car''s kerbweight. This is widely promoted by UK clubs as guidance for stability, not as a legal limit. See our 85 percent towing rule explained.
• The legal limit, which is the car''s braked towing capacity. Never exceed it.

Licence categories

Driving licence rules for towing changed in 2021. Most drivers with a category B licence can now tow trailers, including caravans, up to a 3,500 kg trailer MAM. Older licences may have different entitlements. Confirm your category on the GOV.UK towing with a car page before you tow.

Practical pre-tow checklist

• Confirm MIRO and MTPLM from the chassis plate.
• Confirm your car''s braked towing capacity and gross train weight.
• Use the towing calculator to model the match.
• Weigh the loaded van once a year, ideally at a public weighbridge.
• Measure noseweight with a gauge, loaded as you would tow.
• Check tyre pressures and the four-digit DOT code on the tyre sidewall.

Editorial note: weight rules and licence categories are subject to change. Confirm current limits against GOV.UK and the chassis plate of the specific caravan and car you are using.